GLP-1 receptor agonists

Module 1: Understanding GLP-1 receptor agonists and their modes of action

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CME Credits: 1
Module duration: 1 hour
Launch date: Autumn 2020 (version 1)
Updated: Autumn 2022 (version 2)
Expiry date: March 2027
Audience: Diabetes and Metabolism Specialists (Subspeciality), Endocrinologists (Subspeciality)

Welcome to this course on GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). My name is Filip Knop, I’m a Consultant Endocrinologist and Director of the Centre for Clinical Metabolic Research here at Gentofte Hospital. I’m also a Consultant Endocrinologist treating patients at Steno Diabetes Center, Copenhagen. In this first module, I’ll take you through an introduction to GLP-1. I’ll go through its physiological role in the human body and also cover some of its pathophysiological implications. Finally, I’ll take you through some of the trial data on GLP-1RAs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

In this module, we introduce you to the incretin hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), its physiology, pathophysiology and mechanisms of action. We also appraise trial data on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat type 2 diabetes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Summarise the physiology of GLP-1 and the distribution of GLP-1 and its receptors around the body

Explain the modes of action of GLP-1 in relation to key aspects of health and wellbeing for people with type 2 diabetes

Outline how GLP-1 receptor agonists can be used in the management of type 2 diabetes based on trial evidence


This module includes self-marked assessments, such as knowledge checks and/or case studies, as well as a marked final assessment, which you can attempt up to five times. To complete the module, you must review all chapters, pass the final assessment (80% pass mark), and fill in our feedback form.


Contributors

Professor
Filip Knop
Author, Assessment Setter
Professor
Tina Vilsbøll
Expert Reviewer
Assessment Setter
Assessment Setter